Upgrading Rear Shocks For Superlow Vx Ss - what are the best brand to buy????  

justo69
  • justo69
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  • Joined: 25-May 09
  • Posts: 7
Post #1 post 25th May 2009 - 06:15 PM
I have a vx ss commodore and i have fitted superlow kingsprings and gt munroe shockers/lowered struts... im happy with front susp. but the rear handles terrible, spec on rough roads.... ive been told to fit the rear with brand new standard shocks but i know they don't last long... im willing to spare a few bucks for some decent rear shockers but unsure what brand to buy, or which 1s would be the smoothest and softest... i been told that the new gt munroe sports 1s r the go, genrally i think munroes r shit..... any advice would be appreciated.... cheers.................
35NIK
Post #2

Koni struts have done me well for a few years.
Its hard to make a commodore handle well, when its sitting on the ground will kingsprings ultra lows...
kingsprings are one of the crappyest springs on the market, But good for the price... How long have you had them? They will start to sag down soon I have to say, Mine did badly.
I went from ultra low to "mega scrapping on the ground low" because of king springs, i have upgraded to Ohlins race spec coilovers early this year.

Ive also heard http://www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au made a tein coilover set for a commodore.

35NIK
Post #3

QUOTE (the_random_hero @ May 11 2009, 09:01 PM) *
If you want something that is going to handle better PLUS feel nice, then get a set of Koni adjustables and Eibach springs. Might also be able to find some Tokico struts around, although they are a bit harder to source they are just as good as the Koni's. Avoid King Springs and the like, you want it to handle decently - you're not just dropping a Commodore on it's nuts.


Taken from another technical thread, It just supports my comments.
If you want to handle well, You can't be low as balls, you must have your car sitting above your tyres

justo69
Post #4

ive had the rear springs for 6 months now, they have sagged abit.... what do u think of lovell springs...?

35NIK
Post #5

QUOTE (justo69 @ May 26 2009, 12:55 PM) *
ive had the rear springs for 6 months now, they have sagged abit.... what do u think of lovell springs...?

No sorry, again there just as bad as kingsprings, mabye even worce.

Koni, Eibach, tein, ect... start looking at them.
I recomend tein coilovers for the VX.

lil_bobby_260
Post #6

Haha if you just want to lower your car and get a stiffer spring rate then king springs are fine.
Sorry to burst your technical bubble guys but there isnt a huge amount of technology invloved in a spring hey, so its not hard for a company thats been around as long as king have to make one that works well, for a simple car like a commodore.
Those who bag out Kings need to be a bit more realistic. Of course, that is my own opinion. Ive had a Ford with lovells, a BMW til just recently with Eibachs, and a couple of cars with kings, which are in my VT at the moment, and have fitted dozens of springs to dozens of cars, and honestly, those who say they are leaps away in quality need to do more homework.
A set of monroe GT gas shorter barrelled shock absorbers will do the job, unless you want to take it racing. If you've let it go this long, then it doesnt seem much point on you spending money on a set of teins.

zorak
Post #7

QUOTE (35NIK @ May 26 2009, 03:28 PM) *
No sorry, again there just as bad as kingsprings, mabye even worce.

Koni, Eibach, tein, ect... start looking at them.
I recomend tein coilovers for the VX.


DO NOT PUT STD SHOCKS IN REAR, ANY LOWER THAN AN SL SPRING REQUIRES A SHORTENED SHOCK

Wow what a structured argument, so what exactly master of physics is the problem with King Springs? Ive used them for years and had springs reset, special order rates etc. alway been great product.

The TEINS being as great as they are reall do need to be used on track, I've had coilovers on previous cars and just do not justify costs vs performance for a street car. Aside from being OVERPRICED there are some struts coming out shortly to be better priced and also have quite a bit more adjustment than the TEINS & HSDs. Keep you posted.

I run in the ute the following suspension mods;

- KYB Adj front struts
- King SSL springs
- Superpro Castor Bushes
- Superpro Strut Top Bushes
- 22mm Swaybar
- Whiteline strutbrace
- Superpro camber kit
- Monroe GT Gas Shortened shock
- Lovell SSL rear (harder rates)
- 18mm swaybar
- Solid rear cradle bushes.

This is good for scaring bikes on mountain runs, sub 60s at QR, a few motorkhanas, strip days (change to FE2 rear shocks/springs) and general driving around. Handles fantastic on 17s, with the 19s on the road is a bit understeery around corners and rides the walls too much which is expected.

Agree in my BMWs have used Konis and Bilsteins, fantastic gear BUT would not throw them in a commodore, why you ask? They arent really developed for them.

35NIK
Post #8

He also said he wanted it to handle well, I also did read the first post wrong, I read it as he allready bought the kingsprings WITH the monroe GT & still handled shitty...
If there just standard shockies on the rear & front, Anything with a shorter barrell will do.

Try koni adj shockies if you want something different for the commodore.

the_random_hero
Post #9

QUOTE (lil_bobby_260 @ May 26 2009, 03:35 PM) *
Haha if you just want to lower your car and get a stiffer spring rate then king springs are fine.
Sorry to burst your technical bubble guys but there isnt a huge amount of technology invloved in a spring hey, so its not hard for a company thats been around as long as king have to make one that works well, for a simple car like a commodore.
Those who bag out Kings need to be a bit more realistic. Of course, that is my own opinion. Ive had a Ford with lovells, a BMW til just recently with Eibachs, and a couple of cars with kings, which are in my VT at the moment, and have fitted dozens of springs to dozens of cars, and honestly, those who say they are leaps away in quality need to do more homework.
A set of monroe GT gas shorter barrelled shock absorbers will do the job, unless you want to take it racing. If you've let it go this long, then it doesnt seem much point on you spending money on a set of teins.


There is a world of difference between something like an Eibach spring and a King spring - they might just be springs but there is a lot more to them than you'd imagine. I think Fulcrum are doing something with Tein regarding Commodore suspension at the moment, might also be an idea to get in contact with some of the site sponsors on here (specifically Street to Strip or Race Supplies; I've talked to both in the past and been more than happy with their help) and see what they recommend or have available.

zorak
Post #10

If its just to have the thing riding nice with superlows go buy a pair of Monroe GT series shortened shocks. Fulcrum have these for $140/pair from memory.

As I said earlier there is a better shock than the TEINS coming out shortly, have far more adjustment and better built. The TEINS are overpriced, why you ask? They are painted green and have TEIN stickers on them. Sure they are great for trackwork, daily not work the exhuberant pricing.

Call Wholesale Suspension (down south) and ask for Luke (sorry not a sponsor) tell him zorak from LS1 forums told you to call.

MR2Mark
Post #11

I dont think there can be much difference between brands with regard to linear rate springs. Progressive rate however may make some difference with brand.

I think tiens are excellent entry level coilover. They are perfect for road use IMO and good starting point coilovers for trackwork.

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